St.-gallen
St. Gallen Sights: 15 Gems to Discover
St. Gallen is a fascinating city that captivates visitors with its unique blend of historical treasures and modern charm. St. Gallen's attractions range from the world-famous Abbey Library to hidden gems known only to locals. In this comprehensive guide, discover the 15 best attractions and valuable insider tips for your perfect stay in this eastern Swiss cultural metropolis.
St. Gallen Attractions: The UNESCO World Heritage Abbey Library
The Abbey Library of St. Gallen is without doubt the most famous of all St. Gallen attractions and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. This baroque library houses over 170,000 books and 2,100 manuscripts, including some of the oldest German-language written records.
The magnificent library hall
The library hall impresses with its breathtaking Rococo architecture:
- Ornate stucco ceiling with allegorical depictions
- Marquetry floors made from various types of wood
- Historic globes and scientific instruments
- The mummy of the Egyptian priestess Schepenese
💡 Tip: Visit the Abbey Library early in the morning to experience its magical atmosphere without the crowds.
Opening hours and admission
The Abbey Library is open daily except Mondays. Admission costs 12 CHF for adults, with a reduced rate of 8 CHF. Guided tours are offered in German, French and English.
The historic Old Town: A stroll through the centuries
St. Gallen's Old Town is one of Switzerland's best-preserved medieval town centres and one of the most important St. Gallen attractions. Here, history and the present blend into a unique experience.
Architectural highlights of the Old Town
As you wander through the Old Town, you'll discover:
- Magnificent oriel windows from the 16th and 17th centuries
- Historic guild houses with ornate façades
- Medieval cobbled lanes
- Traditional inns and boutiques
Gallusplatz as the heart of the city
Gallusplatz forms the pulsating centre of the Old Town. Markets and events take place here regularly, creating a lively atmosphere all year round.
💡 Tip: Use the free St. Gallen app for a self-guided tour of the Old Town with interesting background information.
St. Gallen Attractions: The impressive Abbey Precinct
The Abbey Precinct comprises not only the famous library but is a complex ensemble of historic buildings, making it one of the most significant St. Gallen attractions. This unique monastery complex tells the story of over 1,400 years of Christian culture.
The Cathedral of St. Gallus and Otmar
The baroque cathedral from the 18th century impresses with:
- A monumental twin-tower façade
- Magnificent frescoes by Christian Wenzinger
- Historic choir stalls made of walnut
- An impressive organ with 6,000 pipes
The Lapidarium
In the Lapidarium of the Abbey Precinct, you can admire original stonemasonry work and archaeological finds dating back to the early Middle Ages.
Textile Museum: Tradition of the eastern Swiss textile industry
The Textile Museum St. Gallen is one of the most fascinating St. Gallen attractions and documents the rich tradition of the eastern Swiss textile industry. Here you'll learn all about the world-famous St. Gallen lace and embroidery.
Highlights of the collection
The museum presents an impressive variety:
- Historic lace from the 16th century to the present day
- Original embroidery machines and looms
- Haute couture creations featuring St. Gallen embroidery
- Rotating exhibitions of contemporary textile art
- Interactive stations to try out
Practical information
The Textile Museum is housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building and is open daily except Mondays. Admission costs 12 CHF for adults.
💡 Tip: Visit the museum café overlooking the city park - the perfect spot for a break.
Natural History Museum: Fascinating insights into flora and fauna
The Natural History Museum is one of the most family-friendly St. Gallen attractions and offers exciting insights into the nature of eastern Switzerland. With over 4,000 exhibits, it's one of Switzerland's most important natural history museums.
Permanent exhibitions
The museum is divided into several thematic areas:
- Mineralogy with crystals from the Swiss Alps
- Zoology with preserved animals from the region
- Palaeontology with fossils and dinosaur models
- Botany with native plant species
Special exhibitions and events
Special exhibitions on current nature topics take place regularly. The family workshops at weekends are particularly popular.
St. Gallen Attractions: The Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden St. Gallen is a green oasis in the middle of the city and one of the most relaxing St. Gallen attractions. Across 2.7 hectares, you'll find over 8,000 plant species from around the world.
Themed gardens and greenhouses
The garden is divided into various sections:
- Alpine garden with native mountain plants
- Tropical greenhouses with exotic species
- Medicinal herb garden with healing plants
- Rose garden with over 100 rose varieties
- Pond area with aquatic plants
Events and guided tours
From April to October, guided tours and botanical workshops take place regularly. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
💡 Tip: Visit the Botanical Garden in early summer, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Drei Weieren: Local recreation with panoramic views
The Drei Weieren is a popular local recreation area and one of the most naturally beautiful St. Gallen attractions. These three artificial ponds offer relaxation and spectacular views over the city and Lake Constance.
Leisure options
The area offers a range of activities:
- Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
- Barbecue spots for family gatherings
- Restaurant with sun terrace
- Children's playground
- Fitness trail through the woods
Getting there and parking
The Drei Weieren can be reached both on foot and by car. Free parking is available.
Art Museum: Modern and contemporary art
The Art Museum St. Gallen presents an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and is among the cultural highlights of St. Gallen's attractions.
Collection and exhibitions
The museum houses works by:
- Swiss artists of the 19th and 20th centuries
- International contemporary art positions
- Significant eastern Swiss painters
- Rotating themed exhibitions
Architecture of the museum
The modern museum building is itself an architectural highlight, designed by the renowned architectural firm Gigon/Guyer.
📍 Discover more: Explore further [recommendations for St. Gallen](/st. gallen) on our city page.
Conclusion: St. Gallen attractions for every taste
St. Gallen offers an extraordinary variety of attractions that perfectly combine history, culture and nature. St. Gallen's attractions range from world-famous UNESCO sites to hidden gems, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
Key takeaways for your visit to St. Gallen:
- Plan at least two days to explore the most important St. Gallen attractions
- Book guided tours of the Abbey Library in advance
- Use the St. Gallen Card for discounted admission
- Combine culture with nature for a well-balanced itinerary
- Check for current special exhibitions
Visit St. Gallen and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this historic city. Each of St. Gallen's attractions tells its own story and contributes to the special charm of this eastern Swiss gem.
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Gallen attractions
Which St. Gallen attractions are free? The Botanical Garden, the Drei Weieren and a stroll through the historic Old Town are all free to access. Many churches can also be visited free of charge.
How much time should you allow for St. Gallen's attractions? You should allow at least 2-3 days for the most important St. Gallen attractions. That way, you'll have enough time for the Abbey Library, museums and a relaxed stroll through the city.
Are there combination tickets for several St. Gallen attractions? Yes, the St. Gallen Card offers discounted admission to the main museums and attractions. It's available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Which St. Gallen attractions are suitable for children? The Natural History Museum, the Botanical Garden, the Drei Weieren and the historic Old Town with its winding lanes are particularly family-friendly.
When is the best time to visit St. Gallen's attractions? St. Gallen is appealing all year round. Spring and summer are especially good for outdoor activities, while autumn and winter are perfect for museum visits.
Andreas Hofmann
